Leeds United and Southampton boost revealed in West Ham transfer chase | OneFootball

Leeds United and Southampton look to have been given a boost in their pursuit of West Ham defender Ben Johnson this summer.

That is after a report from TEAMtalk claimed that the right-back is set to turn down the Hammers' latest contract offer.

Johnson came through the youth ranks at West Ham, and has spent his whole senior career with the club so far.

In total, he has made 109 appearances in all competitions for the club, scoring two goals and providing two assists in that time. He has though, found game time hard to come by this season.

As a result, it appears likely that he will be on the move away from the London Stadium come the end of the season.

Ben Johnson response to West Ham contract offer emerges

Currently, Johnson's contract with West Ham is set to expire at the end of this season, meaning he will be free to leave the club for next to nothing at the end of this season.

According to this latest update, the Hammers are keen to keep him, and have prepared a final contract offer in an attempt to do so.

However, the 24-year-old is expected to reject that offer, and explore his options as a free agent in the summer.

That is good news for Leeds and Southampton, with the Championship duo both among those said to be waiting to make their move for the right-back.

There will though, be competition for his services. Premier League duo Everton and Wolves, as well as Scottish giants Rangers, are also credited with an interest in Johnson.

Both Leeds and Southampton are looking to win an immediate promotion back to the Premier League via the Championship play-offs this season.

The pair are set to be in semi-final action this week, with Leeds taking on Norwich City, and Southampton facing West Brom.

If they win those ties, they could then meet at Wembley in the final on Sunday 26th May, with promotion on the line.

Ben Johnson update is good news for Leeds and Southampton

This latest revelation on the future of the West Ham right-back looks to be a positive sign for both Leeds and Southampton.

Currently, the only senior right-back contracted to Leeds is Rasmus Kristensen, who is out on loan at Roma until the end of the season.

Southampton meanwhile, look as though they could face a summer of speculation when it comes to the future of their first choice option on the right of their defence, Kyle Walker-Peters.

As a result, both could do to strengthen in that position this summer, and Johnson would be a very good option for both.

Not only has he already shown he is capable of holding his own in the Premier League, but at 24-years-old, he also has plenty of time to develop into a player they could make a profit on in the future.

The fact therefore, that his decision to turn down a new contract with West Ham, making himself available as a free agent, means they could be getting a very useful bargain here.

With that in mind, it does feel as though both Leeds and Southampton should be ready to move quickly to secure the services of Johnson once the season comes to an end.